The spring issue of Licensing Magazine is out — and for those heading to Bologna, or simply following the pulse of the international kids’ licensing and media industry, it is packed with exclusive insights, trends, and content.
Each year, the spring issue holds a special place in Licensing Magazine‘s calendar. It is built around the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, including its special areas, and serves as the definitive preview publication for both events. This edition delivers exclusive insights, emerging trends, and an in-depth look at what the world’s most important fair dedicated to children’s, teens’, and young adult content has in store this year.
In fact, Licensing Magazine has a unique relationship with Bologna. The publication is not simply a media partner of this event — it actively contributes to the content and programming of the licensing hall at the fair itself. This gives the spring issue a depth and authority that goes beyond standard event coverage, offering readers genuine insider access to the themes, companies, and conversations that will define this year’s edition.
The Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, once a focused brand-licensing showcase, has evolved into a fully-fledged transmedia hub. This year it welcomes over 90 companies from across the globe, representing the audiovisual, gaming, toys, and licensing sectors — and the spring issue reflects that breadth in full.
Its Exclusive Content
In this issue, we are honored to welcome Mattel, with an iconic cover and a preview of the highly anticipated Masters of the Universe movie, and an overview on its latest novelties.
In the interviews section, Christian Fonnesbech shares his vision regarding the Transmedia concept, its definition, and how to apply it to IPs. Konami Cross Media NY examines the lasting dominance of Yu-Gi-Oh! in Italy, while Magic Light Pictures, Sanrio, Tulipop, and The Pokémon Company International each demonstrate how strong IP universes can span generations and borders. Staying current, Rainbow, Studio 100 International, Gruppo Alcuni, Officina Comunicazione, Peyo Company, Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Kiddinx Media, The Mouse Mansion, GOSH, and others provide updates on their portfolio expansions, media evolution, and more. The Spotlight on Bologna column features IGT Cool Things, Glo Pals, Lylli, Webtoon, Tunué, Sketchbook Games, Board Games, tempesta films, among others, exploring the intersection of publishing, gaming, audiovisual, and licensing, and giving just a glimpse of the rich overview of content and previews expected in Bologna the week after. A dedicated Focus on Asia section highlights TAICCA, LAMS, and SIPS, emphasizing how Asian IP is no longer just catching up — it is setting the pace. Wrapping up the issue, The Bright Agency, Storytime, Peppy Agency, and Tips Ricerche reflect on 2026 trends and the evolving relationship among new generations, content, and media, while Licensing Expo 2026 and BrandMania conclude this edition with a preview of key upcoming summer events.
A Preview of the International Kids Licensing & Media Days
Among the highlights covered in this issue is the International Kids Licensing & Media Days program, the event within an event, running from April 13 to 15, organized in partnership with Licensing Magazine, which will host over 80 C-level speakers from around the world. Readers will find some insights into the sessions planned across video games, toys, licensing, audiovisual content, and Asia, all connected by a central theme: IP development across platforms and publishing. It is a program that reflects the industry’s own direction— increasingly cross-platform, increasingly global.
The spring issue highlights the key trends, innovations, and industry voices to watch ahead of Bologna, giving readers an early edge on the conversations and deals that will influence the coming months. Whether you’re attending the fair or staying informed from afar, this issue is your guide to everything the industry today and Bologna in particular has to offer in 2025.
Licensing Magazine looks forward to seeing its readers in Bologna — and until then, the spring issue is where the fair begins.
